Florida Dem Facing Decades for Stealing $5M Disaster Relief Cash

A Democratic lawmaker from Florida is facing federal charges and possible decades in prison after prosecutors say she stole more than $5 million in disaster relief funds and funneled the money into her congressional campaign.

The Justice Department announced Wednesday that a Miami grand jury had indicted Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick for fraudulently obtaining FEMA disaster funds, laundering the proceeds, and using the money to support her 2021 run for Congress.

According to DOJ officials, Cherfilus-McCormick allegedly conspired with her brother, 51-year-old Edwin Cherfilus, to divert a $5 million FEMA overpayment that was mistakenly issued to their family-run health care company. Prosecutors say the pair used the funds to enrich themselves and advance her political campaign.

The charges include fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, and could carry significant prison time if convicted.

“Using disaster relief funds for self-enrichment is a particularly selfish, cynical crime,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “No one is above the law, least of all powerful people who rob taxpayers for personal gain. We will follow the facts in this case and deliver justice.”

“This individual and her family allegedly stole money from FEMA and then laundered it through friends toward her own personal benefits – including her campaign accounts,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “Today the FBI and partners at [the Justice Department] took action. No one is above the law.”

This individual and her family allegedly stole money from FEMA and then laundered it through friends toward her own personal benefits – including her campaign accounts. Today the FBI and partners at @TheJusticeDept took action.

No one is above the law. https://t.co/ORFrKpTQl6

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) November 20, 2025

Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) is expected to file a motion on Thursday to censure Cherfilus-McCormick and remove her from all committees. She currently sits on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Veteran Affairs.

“This is one of the most egregious abuses of public trust I have ever seen. Stealing $5 million in taxpayer disaster funds from FEMA of all places is beyond indefensible,” he said. “Millions of Floridians have relied on FEMA after devastating hurricanes, and that money was supposed to help real disaster victims.”